Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Uganda’s Primate Paradise on Lake Victoria

Set sail on the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria and discover one of Uganda’s most inspiring conservation stories — Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Located just 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe, Ngamba Island is a protected tropical island sanctuary that provides a safe and natural home for rescued orphaned chimpanzees. Managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), this 100-acre island paradise is a haven for both chimpanzees and nature lovers alike.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we offer unforgettable day trips and overnight excursions to Ngamba Island, giving travelers a chance to engage with Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and support a cause that truly makes a difference. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, a visit to Ngamba Island will leave you inspired, informed, and connected with one of our closest animal relatives in a setting of exceptional beauty and serenity.

What is Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary?

Ngamba Island is part of the Koome Group of Islands in Lake Victoria and has been home to a growing community of orphaned and rescued chimpanzees since 1998. These chimpanzees were confiscated from illegal wildlife trade and could not return to the wild. The sanctuary provides them with a forest-rich, semi-wild environment to roam, socialize, and thrive.

With only 5% of the island dedicated to human activity, the rest of the island is pristine tropical forest — a true sanctuary where chimpanzees enjoy natural feeding, climbing, grooming, and resting as they would in the wild. Visitors observe the chimpanzees in specially designed viewing areas during feeding sessions and learn about their stories, personalities, and behaviors from knowledgeable caretakers.

Highlights of Visiting Ngamba Island

1. Close Encounters with Chimpanzees
   Witness up-close feeding sessions from a safe platform and observe chimpanzee behaviors such as play, grooming, and vocalization. Every individual has a name and personality — from dominant males to playful juveniles.

2. Educational Conservation Experience
   Learn about primate conservation, the threats chimpanzees face in the wild, and what Uganda is doing to protect them. The sanctuary staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their mission.

3. Boat Cruise on Lake Victoria
   Your journey to the island begins with a scenic boat ride across Africa’s largest lake. Look out for water birds, fishermen in traditional canoes, and the distant skyline of Entebbe.

4. Forest Walks (For Overnight Guests)
   If you stay overnight on Ngamba Island, you may be invited to participate in a guided chimpanzee forest walk, a thrilling experience where you accompany young chimps as they explore the forest paths.

5. Relaxation and Nature Immersion
   Beyond the chimpanzees, Ngamba Island is a place of peace and reflection. Watch the sunrise over Lake Victoria, take in the fresh island air, and unwind away from the bustle of the mainland.

Optional Activities with Uganda Horizon Safaris

• Half-Day or Full-Day Excursions by speedboat or traditional canoe

• Overnight Stays in eco-friendly cottages with island meals and sunset views

• Behind-the-Scenes Caregiver Experience (available with advance booking)

• Volunteer and Educational Programs for schools and organizations

• Birdwatching Tours – spot African fish eagles, cormorants, kingfishers, and more

• Community Visits to nearby fishing villages on Lake Victoria (optional extension)

• Photography and Filming Tours (with permits) for wildlife and conservation enthusiasts

Best Time to Visit Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is open year-round, but the best months for calm boat rides and outdoor activities are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to August. However, the sanctuary remains accessible in wet months with rain jackets and a sense of adventure.

How to Get to Ngamba Island

Departures to Ngamba Island typically leave from Entebbe, just a short drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala. Uganda Horizon Safaris will organize your transfer and boat cruise, which can take 45 minutes by speedboat or 90 minutes by motorized canoe. Private charters and group departures are available.

Supporting Conservation with Every Visit

Ngamba Island is more than a travel destination — it’s a working sanctuary that depends on visitor support. Your trip helps fund food, medical care, enrichment, and the continued operation of this incredible haven for Uganda’s chimpanzees. Every visit is a contribution to the long-term survival of a critically endangered species and a vote for ethical, responsible tourism.

Travel to Ngamba Island with Uganda Horizon Safaris

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we believe in travel that transforms — for both guests and the destinations we visit. We offer personalized trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary that blend conservation, education, and relaxation. Whether you’re coming for a day trip from Entebbe or planning an overnight island retreat, we’ll take care of all logistics, guides, and arrangements — so you can focus on the magic of meeting chimpanzees in the heart of Lake Victoria.

🌿 Reconnect with nature. Support conservation. Experience the magic of Ngamba Island with Uganda Horizon Safaris.